If you get bitten by a dog, there is a chance that it could become infected. This can make your situation much more serious. In some situations, infections may lead to the need for medication, surgery or even an amputation. Severe infections could become septic.
Of course, this is true with any type of injury where there is a wound that could be exposed to contaminants. It could then become infected. But dog bites have a higher infection risk than other types of lacerations because they are puncture wounds and because the dog’s mouth may contain contaminants that then get trapped in the deep wound.
What signs should you look for?
If you have been bitten by a dog, look out for these signs of infection:
- Redness spreading from the bite wound, especially if there are red tendrils from a central area.
- Increased pain over time.
- The onset of fever, sweating or other symptoms of sickness.
- Pus or other discharge from the wound.
- A feeling of warmth to the touch.
Essentially, after the bite, the injury site should slowly go back to normal, scab over and heal. If it instead refuses to heal and starts becoming more painful, while some of these other symptoms of sickness are setting in, it could mean that there is an infection that your body is trying to fight off.
Steps to take
As noted, this can make your situation very serious. It’s important for you to understand when to look for medical attention and how to seek financial compensation for that medical care from the dog’s owner.